Have yourself a Fabulous little Christmas

Christmas is my favourite time of year. I get to shower my loved ones with gifts, eat lots of nice food and drink Prosecco at almost every meal without being judged.

Here is my guide to having a fabulous Christmas.

Get a real tree

There is nothing quite like being greeted by the smell of your evergreen tree after a hard day at work. It smells like Christmas, it smells like home. Be sure to get a non-drop needle tree; otherwise your tree could end up looking like a Skeleton in just a couple of days.

When it comes to decorating my tree, like with all things in life, there is a pecking order. At the top of my tree rests a large silver bow from Harrods (sale) that sparkles in the light. From then on downwards, the prettiest decorations (Harrods sale, again) are placed at the front, with the most expensive decorations (before sale price) at eye level. As for tinsel? No such thing is allowed in my house.

Post a Christmas Card

Can you remember the excitement that you used to feel when your primary school teacher handed you a Christmas card that had been posted in the classroom post-box? Relive your childhood memories by posting or hand delivering a Christmas card to your nearest and dearest. This year I am posting a Christmas card that I customised on Optimal, to all of my close family and friends. My face could be coming to a mantelpiece near you.

Get Baking

The best thing about Christmas is the food! I love returning to my parents’ home in Nottingham over the Christmas period because my mother and father make the most wonderful mince pies. I have never been one to bake because it creates more mess than I can tolerate, but this year I am going to make some clean treats to help me get through the festive period without doubling in size. Keep a look out for the recipes!

Make Christmas Eve a big deal

Welcoming Christmas morning with your best friends is a wonderful experience. Last year I went to the Pearl bar in Nottingham with my friends. We had so much fun and since then, we have vowed to celebrate every Christmas Eve together. Bring in Christmas day with your favourite people. If you don’t fancy having a night out; have a night in and watch your favourite Christmas films, accompanied by some home made mulled wine.

Be grateful

Christmas is a sad and lonely time for so many people, which is why you should be grateful for the gifts you receive no matter how big or small. Not all that glitters is gold. Be thankful for the people who you share Christmas day with. Crisis at Christmas is a wonderful organisation that helps to make Christmas special for those who are with a homeless. I was too late to sign up to volunteer this year, but next year I will make sure that it is something I do because I believe that everyone should have a Merry Christmas.